Dog Rescued + Teen Raises $2K For Women In Need: Saturday Smiles

It’s the first weekend of 2025, and now is a good time to take a moment to get caught up on some of the uplifting Northern California news you may have missed.

Golden Retriever Rescued From Cliff By San Francisco Firefighters

• The golden retriever was not injured.

The Biggest Ever Surfed? Massive NorCal Wave Sparks Record Talk

• One early estimate puts the wave at 108 feet.

San Ramon Teen Raises $2K For Women In Need

• DVHS student Spoorthi Bedadam's EmpowHer organization has donated over 10,000 sanitary products to women in local shelters.

Alameda's LEGO Menorah Delights Residents

• Hundreds turned out Sunday for the ceremonial lighting, despite the weather.

Endangered Sea Otters Keep Invasive Crabs Out Of CA Estuary: Report

• The cute apex predators—once near extinction—have led to green crabs' demise by eating them, a new study found.

Exotic Monkey Rescued, Driver Arrested During Unusual CA Traffic Stop

• The CHP said a driver in a $350,000 luxury car was speeding and driving under the influence with a 1-month-old monkey in the passenger seat.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.